I had absolutely nothing to add to this thread until two posters used my name in association with an incorrect account of my views that I have previously expressed about the reasons that many people engage in stream projects.

I applaud efforts to improve streams for fishing. I favor such projects that restore habitat in a natural way rather than those that create highly artificial improvements that seem only to be areas for me to lose more flies. I do, however, recognize that some such improvements are helpful where they counteract some other artificial condition created by human interferance with the natural course of the waterway.

What causes me on occasion to speak my view about the motivation of others is when such others adopt a holier-than-thou attitude about their volunteer efforts as if the world should begin painting halos behind their heads in any image depicting them, or when such persons assume that every angler should value their volunteer efforts as much as they value it themselves despite the fact that not all other anglers were dissatisfied with the state of the stream before their efforts were applied.

You can rail against my view if you wish, look down upon me, feel superior, but just make sure that if you want any of that to alter my view, it should at least accurately understand my view and not just be a straw man that you have set up to give you something you can easily knock back down.

Posted on: 2009/2/9 10:05

_________________The doctrine of free will is the invention of the ruling class.

Jack's has repeatedly attacked flyfishers involved in stream and fisheries conservation on this message board. If anyone doubts that, they can dig up the old posts.

Those attacks are the cause of the problem. If he hadn't done that, there never would have been this "issue."

VC, maybe it's best to let sleeping dogs lie, and not bring it up again. And I won't bring it up again either. But if the topic is brought up again, I have as much right as anyone else to comment on it.

Troutbert, since you are aware of the search abilities of the board, I challenge you to "dig up" any attack on "flyfishers involved in stream and fisheries conservation," that you claim I have "repeatedly" expressed. This is blatant manufacturing of history to suit your purpose and it and it alone is the reason the issue is ever discussed. It is not only you, but likely primarily you, that perpetuates a false impression of my feelings on this topic. Frankly, one wonders why the suggestion that some folks involved in stream improvements are feathering their own nest strikes such a nerve with you.

Posted on: 2009/2/9 10:43

_________________The doctrine of free will is the invention of the ruling class.

Some participate in conservation efforts to help to their fishing, they have a for love fishing and nature.

Some participate in conservation efforts in part to help their fishing, they have a love for fishing and nature.

Some participate in conservation efforts and don’t fish at all, but still love nature.

So what?!?……what’s the big deal?

I believe that enlisting all those who care about conservation, even those that do not fish, allows us to do more. The broader the base of people participating, the louder the voice for change, and the more people there will be to fund and participate in conservation projects. Also, when we rub elbows with non-fishers, they may learn that we are not the bloodthirsty killers the PETA crowd makes us out to be. From what I’m told, as long they are kept away from the fire ring at the Jam after dark, most would believe we are a decent bunch.

It doesn't matter what someone's motives are. It's exactly my point. Some just don't admit that their reasons aren't that much beyond helping their own experience. Others are in it because they are just caring about the watersheds.

I tried, and had a brief email correspondence with them a few months ago. They were to send me materials, and never did. I was unable to attend the meetings because of my work/class schedule. When are the meetings now? I might be able to make it. If not, I definitely will once I finish my last class in a few weeks.

Hopefully they'd have me, despite the fact that I'm not going to hide the fact that I'm working for my own benefit.

well i dont agree with the blanket statement that most people are in it to better the fishing experience. This may be so but who am i, or we for that matter to say what the motives of people are that we have never met